How to Live: A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer

Michel de Montaigne emerges as one of history's most relatable philosophers in this innovative biography that explores the Renaissance thinker's life through his own central preoccupation: how to live well. Bakewell weaves together the personal and intellectual journey of the sixteenth-century French nobleman who revolutionized self-reflection through his groundbreaking Essays. Rather than following a traditional chronological structure, she organizes Montaigne's story around twenty practical approaches to living, from handling loss and uncertainty to finding balance between solitude and society. The narrative captures both his extraordinary circumstances and remarkably modern sensibilities as he navigated religious wars, political upheaval, and personal tragedy while developing his philosophy of acceptance and curiosity.

Davina Porter's narration transforms this intellectual biography into an intimate conversation, her measured delivery perfectly matching Montaigne's contemplative spirit. She skillfully navigates the frequent French pronunciations and philosophical passages without losing the warmth that makes Montaigne so endearing across centuries. Porter's pacing allows listeners to absorb Bakewell's elegant prose while maintaining engagement throughout the substantial runtime. The audio format particularly suits this reflective work, encouraging the kind of unhurried contemplation that Montaigne himself championed.